HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-03-04 Letter, Fireplace Code ViolationsI
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CITY of ORONO
fust Offuv Box 660t'rystal Bay, Miane»ota 553'230 Municipal Offices
Ar. Wainer Wittmer
1429 Baldur Park Road
Wayzata,
Minr esota 55391
Dear Mr. Wittmer:
On the North Shore of Lake Minnetonka
March 4, 1980
While making inspections in the area, I made a progress inspection
of your addition. While I was there, I noticed that you had installed
a new wood burning stove without a permit and without installation
inspections. I am concerned because of several serious safety problems
noted as follows:
1. Manual damper in gas vent connector prohibited (SBC 7408(a)).
Damper closes flue and allows products of combustion to enter
house - asph-xiation hazard.
2. Vent connector installed with downward pitch prohibited
(SBC 7407, Pitch) - c:oes not allow gas appliance to vent
properly and wood burning unit can back vent into gas
appliance.
3. Vent connector passing through wall without thimble
prohibited (SBC 7404, Clearance). The thimble is to provide
proper clearances and firestops.
4. Gas appliance connected to wood burning unit flue prohibited
(SBC 7407).
5. Wood burning unit does not have proper testing or certification
(SAC 103-7) Without testing or certification, clearances to
combustibles, proper installation, operation and maintenance
cannot be assured.
6. Clearances to combustibles (4" existing) have not been met.
(SBC 8406) must be 36" from unprotected combustible wall.
7. Chimney height is not high enough - must be 2'-0" :&bove
ridge of house (SBC/UBC 3703(f)).
8. Permit is required for installation of furnace and woodburninq
unit (Orono Ordinance No. 20.030).
March 4, 1980
Mr. Walter Wittmer
1420 Baldur Park Road
Page 2
This letter ng written to notify you that immediate corrective
action is requ: . to abate the existing safety hazards. The following
work must be cuMpleted within seven (7) days. I will arrange to make
a reinspection to assure completion of the following:
1. Remove manual damper from vent connector.p4- 7"1
2. Connect vent connector to the flue without a downward pitch.0�
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3. Disconnect wood burning appliance and do not use it until vV
it has been inspected by a cFertified mechanical engineer f,;ft
or fire protection engineer, and you have provided a `off1p
written certified report showing proper installation and
safety measures for this stove. If such a report can not
be obtained, you must remove the appliance within sixty
(60) days.
There are acceptable wood burning devices which have received UL and
IC'BO approval. We are concerned that your homemade stove has not been
i operly tested or provided with proper installation or clearance.
We will cooperate in any way we can to help you provide an acceptable
energy alternative. However, if you choose not to comply with this
order, we will be forced to issue citations for the above noted building
code violations.
Sincerely,
r
Jacobs
Inspector
Thomas J.
Building
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